The Institute for Security Studies (ISS), in partnership with the Bosch Foundation, is offering an exciting opportunity for young professionals through its Junior Fellowship Programme in Dakar.

This prestigious initiative is designed to equip emerging West African leaders with the skills, networks, and experience needed to shape policy and strengthen governance across the region.

Targeted at passionate and driven individuals—especially women—the programme focuses on gender, human security, and geopolitics, preparing fellows to tackle some of West Africa’s most pressing challenges.

About the Fellowship Programme

The ISS Junior Fellowship Programme is a 10-month, fully supported opportunity based in Dakar. Selected fellows will work alongside leading African researchers and policy experts, gaining first-hand exposure to governance issues and decision-making processes.

Participants will explore key questions around democracy, accountability, and regional stability, while contributing to real-world policy solutions. The programme also provides direct access to influential policymakers and institutions, making it a strong launchpad for careers in public policy, research, and international development.

What Fellows Will Do

During the fellowship, participants will engage in a wide range of activities that combine research, collaboration, and policy engagement:

Conduct in-depth research on critical security issues, including gender inequality and geopolitical dynamics
Attend workshops, seminars, and policy discussions with regional experts and decision-makers
Write and publish articles, as well as contribute to policy reports
Collaborate with a diverse, multicultural team of analysts and researchers
Present weekly briefings on political and security developments in West Africa
Engage directly with government officials and stakeholders involved in policy implementation

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the ISS Junior Fellowship Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be a citizen of a West African country
Be under the age of 30
Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as:
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Law
- Anthropology
- Sociology or related disciplines
Demonstrate a strong interest in security, governance, democracy, gender, or geopolitics
Be fluent in English or French (knowledge of additional West African languages is an advantage)
Possess strong communication skills, self-motivation, and the ability to work in a dynamic team environment

Fellowship Benefits

The programme offers a comprehensive support package to ensure fellows can fully focus on their professional development:

A monthly stipend
Health insurance coverage
Accommodation in Dakar
A return flight between the fellow’s home country and Senegal
Ongoing mentorship from experienced ISS researchers
Access to a growing network of policy professionals and alumni across Africa

Why Apply?

This fellowship is more than a training programme—it is a gateway to influencing policy and contributing to meaningful change in West Africa. Fellows gain:

Practical experience in policy research and advocacy
Exposure to high-level decision-making processes
Opportunities to build regional and international networks
A strong foundation for careers in government, think tanks, NGOs, and international organisations

For young professionals committed to advancing peace, accountability, and inclusive governance, this programme offers a unique platform to make a lasting impact.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit their application via email. Applications should include:

A motivational cover letter
A detailed CV with three references
A copy of their Master’s degree certificate
A scanned ID or passport copy

Applications should be sent to: dakarjobs@issafrica.org

Key Deadline

Closing date: 10 May 2026

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as part of the programme’s commitment to gender inclusion and leadership development.

Final Thoughts

The ISS Dakar Junior Fellowship Programme stands out as a premier opportunity for young West Africans to gain hands-on experience in policy research and advocacy. With its strong focus on mentorship, collaboration, and real-world impact, it offers a powerful stepping stone for those looking to shape the future of governance and security in Africa.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding